9-year-old named Cup's honorary skipper

Mallory Ward has been named as Honorary Skipper for the Southport Leukemia Cup, according to a news release.

The 9-year-old daughter of Sabrina Ward of Nakina will serve as hostess for the May 16-18 event.

The Leukemia Cup is a regional fundraising event, hosted by The Cape Fear Yacht Club and Southport Sail and Power Squadron, with proceeds going to the Eastern North Carolina Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Ward was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in March 2004, but today she is a happy, healthy young lady, at the top of her third-grade class in school. She loves to read, go to church and play with her cousins. She also loves to play the piano and hopes one day to be a church pianist.

She began her battle with the disease as a 5-year-old patient at Duke University Children’s Hospital and endured all the typical side effects of cancer and having to wear hats and bandanas to cover her baldness. She also missed out on kindergarten, playing outside with friends and other activities.

There were endless blood tests and countless medicines and hospital stays. Because she was in the hospital, she even missed a couple of her own birthday parties. She has missed out on a lot, but is making up for it now.

Come out and support Mallory and the Eastern North Carolina Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Join the events of the Leukemia Cup.

To participate in the sailing Regatta or Poker Run, visit the Cape Fear Yacht Club Web site at www.capefearyachtclub.com or call Rob Wartchow at 523-2212.

To attend the land-based events, buy a ticket at the door or in advance at Southport Realty or the Southport Oak Island Chamber of Commerce.